Friday, March 17, 2017

Governor appoints commission to encourage computer and data business

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has announced formation of a commission aimed at creating more computer and data analytics business in Arkansas.

The Blue Ribbon Commission to Report on the Economic Competitiveness of Computing and Data Analytics in Arkansas will report by fall on: 1) business challenges; 2) potential niche areas, and skills needs.

Charles Morgan, former CEO of the Acxiom data company, will co-chair the Commission along with Mike Preston, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Other members:

“This esteemed group of Arkansans, through their expertise and guidance, will allow the state to address the opportunities and obstacles we must address to create an environment in which our technology sector can thrive,” said Governor Hutchinson. “This is the next step in growing the computer coding initiative as it will allow our higher education institutions and workforce development agencies to address the specific needs of Arkansas companies in the computer science and data analytics sector.”

M.L. King Day: The open lines and a roundup of headlines and comment.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has made several public appearances today as part of the observance of King Day and his remarks have included lauding the state's 2017 action (and his own) in ending the dual observance of King's birthday with that of a man who fought to preserve slavery, Robert E. Lee. I have one brief observation on his remarks:

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